Melbourne, Koalas, Wallaby & Penguins!

We flew from Queenstown to Melbourne and it was an easy transfer to our hotel.  We hit the ground running with a city tour in the morning followed by a drive to Phillips Island with the highlight of the day our Premium Plus viewing of the Penguin Parade.  

Melbourne has some beautiful architecture.  They are quick to inform you that Melbourne was not founded by convicts like Sydney but rather the gold rush of the last 1800's is what built the city.   After a great lunch at the Queen Victoria's Market we started our 2hr drive to Phillips Island.  Our first stop was the Koala Conservation Reserve.  I was amazed at how close we could get to the Koalas and how many hopping Wallaby's we encountered. 

Penguin Parade

After we drove along the coast and had dinner before heading to the Penguin Parade.  Photos are not allowed however videos were provided by the organization.  

After a long day (or even weeks) of fishing in the Bass Strait, they gather offshore in groups called "rafts," waiting for the safety of dusk to protect them from predators. Watching them waddle across the sand in tiny huddles to reach their burrows in the dunes is easily one of the most heartwarming sights in Australia.

Why it’s special: This isn’t a zoo; it’s a completely natural phenomenon. Phillip Island is home to the largest colony of Little Penguins in the world, and the conservation work here is world-class.

Susan’s Tip: The "parade" doesn't end at the beach! As you walk back along the elevated boardwalks, you’ll see the penguins right beside you, navigating the "penguin highways" back to their homes.

We had front row seats and were able to watch the penguins as they marched (video)back to their borrows.   After a bit we swapped locations and were able to view them coming onto the beach. (Video)

Wallaby Crossing 

Our first Koala!